Six Nations Talking Points: Round 4 delivers excitement and shocks

Ireland have a chance to win the title after beating a brave Wales 27-17 in Dublin.

But their title hopes depend on their victory over Scotland and rely on an out-of-form England beating France in Paris.

Ireland had not reached the level they reached in dismantling England two weeks ago, and desperately looked for the bonus points win they needed to keep them in the title hunt.

Wales gave a good account of themselves and Rhys Carré can look back with pride after a stunning solo try that saw the prop fall over the line after an innings that started outside the Ireland 22.

“Defensively, Wales were much better and more physical compared to the first round,” Sam Warburton told Rugby Special. “They had a big defeat against England but now they are competitive. They haven’t won in Dublin since 2012, it’s always been difficult but they’ve done well.”

“They found their central combination, and the front five provided a lot of platform by carrying the ball and hitting the backs.

“I was worried they would be the ones to top 30 points, but they turned it around after the first round, and I’m very happy.”

An improved performance since the 48-7 defeat to England in the first round gives Wales some hope of ending a run of 15 straight Six Nations losses in the final, although they will host an Italy side buoyed by their historic win over England.